oshua Tree, California
Photo: Francesca Ausenda
For 8 days and nights, our teachers Joel and Michelle Levey will guide us as we practice concentration, mindfulness and reflective meditation.
We will:
This will be a primarily silent retreat (with opportunities for reflection and sharing as appropriate) and our practice will generally take the form of sitting in meditation in the main hall of the Integratron. That said, there will be some somatic practice/movement meditation and a vocal practice. The Art Monastery’s Artistic Director Christopher Fülling will lead Gregorian chant and improvisations. We will learn to chant on the first day, followed by scheduled singing throughout the week. Toward the end of the retreat, there will be opportunities to spend more time bringing the sense of presence you’ve developed to various art forms, both alone and as a group.
The Leveys write: “There is a profound aesthetic dimension to the myriad teachings of meditation …[A]ll the teachings on meditation direct our attention toward discovering the deepest, most sublime dimensions of reality that can be realized or awakened to in our meditations, yet which defy verbal description,” dimensions which can influence both the perception and the creation of works of art. To learn more about Joel and Michelle Levey, click here.
If you are new to meditation, this retreat will give you what you need to get established in your personal practice. If you have a solid daily meditation practice already, this retreat will give you the tools you need to go deeper, and a chance to explore how the benefits of meditation can apply specifically to your artistic practice.
A team of volunteers will prepare meals and handle other practical concerns. All you have to do is show up, do your best, and maintain a sense of humor.
Please arrive between 2 and 5pm on January 2. The retreat will finish at 2pm on January 10.
We have been blessed with an amazing venue for our first Artmonk Retreat. The Integratron was designed as a spiritually charged place and has served as inspiration to many artists since it was built in the 1940s.
The Integratron (www.integratron.com) “the only all-wood sound chamber in the U.S.… an acoustically perfect tabernacle and energy machine sited on a powerful geomagnetic vortex in the magical Mojave Desert” near Los Angeles, will house up to 30 artmonks. The spaces include 1) a big partially heated acoustically amazing dome where will sit and chant, 2) a large heated room below it where we’ll sleep, 3) a separate smaller heated dome for private or loud activities, 4) a cooking tent and small outdoor kitchen, 5) and a shower (that we intend to solarize).
You might be saying, “Wait a sec! We’re going to sit in silence for 8 days in a space specifically designed for sound? Is this a zen koan or something?” While it is true that we will spend most of the 8 days in silence, you can bet that when we do make noise, it will be inspiring.
A Glimpse of the Life-Work of Michelle & Joel Levey
Joel & Michelle Levey have devoted their lives to exploring the disciplines that awaken extra-ordinary human potentials for wisdom, compassion, and creative intelligence.
Their pioneering lives’ work spans many disciplines including: integral mindbody medicine; noetic mind sciences; contemplative education and transformational learning; social neurobiology; collective wisdom; cyberphysiology, neurofeedback and clinical biofeedback training; mind-fitness, peak performance training and extra-ordinary human potential; transformational leadership development & change resilience; developing healthy high performing organizational teams and cultures; multidimensional medicine work; and r/evolutionary interactivational practices necessary for communities to resonantly align with their highest potentials amidst the creative complexity of our times.
The Dalai Lama, an advisor and supporter on a number of the Leveys’ projects, blessed them in their work-teachings saying: “You are presently engaged in work that has great prospects for bringing the Dharma (the inner sciences and technologies of human development and transformation) to a very wide section of people who may not under ordinary circumstances come into contact with these teachings.” His Holiness also wrote an inspiring foreword for their book Living in Balance ~ a book-of-the-month club main selection.
Michelle and Joel are dedicated to the study, practice, and teaching of many of the world’s great wisdom traditions. They have been fortunate to study intensively with many of the most revered contemplative teachers of our time, and have been blessed and encouraged to keep these wisdom traditions alive through teaching others. They are active in inter-spiritual community work with a diversity of other leaders from faith traditions and social justice movements in the NW US and in Hawaii. Their combined 60 years of intensive contemplative practice draws inspiration from many of the world’s great wisdom traditions. Their teachers include: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kalu Rinpoche, Zong Rinpoche, Zazep Rinpoche, Chagdud Rinpoche, Gen Lamrimpa, Lama Tharchin, Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey, Lama Thubten Yeshe, Dipama, Sakya Dagmola Kusho, Robert Thurman, Rina Sircar, Krishnamurti, Brother David Steindl-Rast, Reb Shlomo Carlbach, Reb Zalman Schacter Shalomi. Ram Dass, Sogyal Rinpoche, Thich Nhat Hahn, Faisal Muqaddam, Venerable Deshung Rinpoche, S.N. Goenka, Munindra-ji, Venerable Taungpulu Sayadaw, His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, David Chethlahe Paladin, Genki Roshi, Sasaki Roshi, Seung Sahn Soen-sa, Pir Vilayat Khan, Postneshin Jelaleddin Loras, Dhiravamsa, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Joseph Goldstein, Stephen and Ondrea Levine, and Vimala Thakar.
During their 40 years of intensive meditation practice Joel and Michelle have been fortunate to devote a number of years of their lives to intensive silent contemplative retreat, including a one-year silent meditation retreat in the Tibetan tradition. They have also been intensively involved with psychophysiological research on meditation, consciousness, and extraordinary human performance, and were recognized by the Institute of Noetic Sciences–for whom they have participated in numerous research colloquiums and conferences–as leading contemporary “teachers of transformation.”
Tibetan Monks at the Integratron
Michelle & Joel are founders of the International Institute for Meditation in MindBody Medicine, and the International Center for Contemplative Inquiry and Dialogue. They serve as faculty for Bastyr University’s new Center for Science, Spirituality, and Medicine, where they are directors of the new “Meditation and Medicine: Exploring the Vital Role of Contemplative Disciplines in Integral Medicine & the Healing Arts” program. Joel & Michelle are also on the clinical faculty for the Center for Spirituality and Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School, adjunct faculty at the Institute for Religion and Health at the University of Texas Medical Center, and graduate faculty in the Contemplative Education and Transformational Learning program at Mahidol University in Thailand. They have also served as faculty at Antioch University, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ahmedabad India, the International Center for Organization Design, and the World Business Academy. They are beloved elders in the Oracle Gathering Tribe and the Communiversity Creationship scene in the N.W., and have led meditations at CoSM with dear friends Alex and Allyson Grey.
Joel and Michelle are co-founders of: WisdomatWork.com; InnerWork Technologies, Inc.; SportsMind, Inc.; and The International Center for Corporate Culture & Organizational Health. Their work in the world has lead them to work with leaders and teams in over 200 leading organizations around the globe including: NASA, M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center, HP, Intel, Intuit, Microsoft, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, MIT, and Stanford Research Institute International. They were honored to serve at the Clinton Global Initiative as facilitators of dialogue among world leaders seeking to find solutions to the great challenges of our times. They are adept at carrying the medicine of these profound teaching into very powerful and conservative organizations where transformation in the hearts, minds, and values of people is so essential.
Joel Levey, Ph.D., directed clinical programs in Biofeedback, Stress Management, Pain Management, Psychophysiological Therapy, and Hospice Training for Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound. Michelle Levey, M.A., directed similar programs at Children’s Medical Center in Seattle. Their pioneering work in Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) education, Meditation and Medicine, Integral Medicine, Mind-Science & Medicine, and “Ethics, Psychophysiology, and the Sacred,” has inspired faculty and students at dozens of medical and nursing schools.
Michelle and Joel’s published works have been translated into 9 languages and include: Luminous Mind: Meditation and Mind Fitness; Living in Balance: A Dynamic Approach for Creating Harmony & Wholeness in a Chaotic World; A Moment to Relax; The Fine Arts of Relaxation, Concentration, and Meditation: Ancient Skills for Modern Minds; Simple Meditation & Relaxation, and Wisdom at Work. They have contributed chapters to many anthologies including: Voices on the Threshold of Tomorrow; Buddhism Through American Women’s Eyes; Be the Change; Intuition at Work; Community Building in Business; Rediscovering the Soul in Business; and The New Bottom Line.
Joel & Michelle Levey live in Seattle and steward The Kohala Sanctuary, an organic permaculture farm, learning center, and zone of peace on the northern tip of the Big Is. of Hawaii. (See http://KohalaSanctuary.com )
To learn more about their lives-work, we invite you to explore:
“The presence of Joel and Michelle Levey in our life has inspired our creative spirit and will surely inspire others.” Alex and Allyson Grey http://cosm.org, http://alexgrey.com
“It has truly been a blessing to know Joel and Michelle Levey. These teachers walk in grace and offer wisdom with every word. They offer their generous spirits to all who cross their path. We are grateful for the gift they bring to our Mother Earth, who is calling us all to love this big.” —Alli Chagi-Starr, Arts Activist, Cultural Arts Director for the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights’ Reclaim the Future Programand & Ashel Eldridge, music and meditation facilitator with Art in Action – Youth Leadership Program in Oakland http://artinactionworld.org/index.php?key=bios
“To my fellow Burning Man devotees: Few people in my life have touched my life in such a positive way as Joel and Michelle Levy. The depth of their understanding, compassion and love inspires me in every creative endeavor I undertake. I highly recommend their workshops to anyone wanting to go deeper into their spiritual practice and creative source. Joel and Michelle are the real deal original gangsta’s of meditation. Should their paths cross yours, count yourself as one of the blessed.” —Sidney Genette, www.watersines.com
“When I think of the type of people I want to surround myself with Joel and Michelle come to mind. They truly walk their talk. The love and grace these two radiate, continues to inform my daily practice, their endless giving and care for others, their passion for the advancement of humanity, serves as deep inspiration for my own work. I feel truly blessed to consider these two my mentors.” — Nina von Feldmann, oraclegatherings.com
“Joel and Michelle are radiant embodiments of compassion, love and evolution in action. They are emissaries of peace and their vibrations are felt beyond words or actions. If you have the blessed opportunity to meet them, you will never forget the light of these two incredible beings.” —little woo, Vancouver BC Canada, http://www.littlewoo.org/
“I strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to experience the collective wisdom field facilitated so compassionately and expertly by Joel and Michelle Levey. Their loving light shines through all that they do, and is so clearly grounded in decades of inner work and being in service to such a vast diversity of groups and organizations. If you are seeking to move into the heart of a collective issue or exploration, these are the two who can guide you there with true grace and feeling.” —Jeet-Kei Leung, Vancouver, BC, DJ/Musician http://www.myspace.com/mazeguider
“Joel & Michelle Levey express and exude a deep hearted Authenticity and Grace that simply feels good to be around! I find them to be wonderfully inspiring in their genuineness“. —Kenny Telesco, Theatre Artist
“Joel and Michelle are rare in their depth of devotion to the spiritual path. They are open minded, open hearted, creative and visionary learners and teachers. They have dedicated much time in this life, to meditation and the profound explorations within, then sensitively and creatively using their enhanced consciousness to help individuals, and humanity as a whole through their obvious Bodhisattva vow of assisting all beings to gain enlightenment rather than simply seeking their own. Wisdom at Work has been their vehicle of many years, offering a wide variety of great support, in forms that help individuals become empowered, feel and delve deeper into the rich terrain of life’s internal reflections. I can sense Joel and Michelle equally at home in large institutions teaching Dharma and compassion or in leading informal discussions with small community sanga, developing supportive relationships, urging people onward in their paths… I heartily recommend Joel and Michelle as teachers who lead with integrity and Love, whatever they are offering.” —La aka Laurrien Gilman, artist, spiritual seeker, and community builder
“Joel and Michelle Levey shine the brightest light. Whenever I’m around them I feel nurtured by the warmth of their glow, profound but gentle presence, deep wisdom, and pure love. The stunning result is that my own heart and spirit are activated, my own vibration rises, and I find myself reflecting back to the universe the deepest and brightest essence of my creative nature. The Leveys are potent in their ability to inspire us to share our own luminance, and in helping us clear the noise that obstructs that self-expression. I’m deeply grateful for opportunities to experience their catalyzing gifts.” — Gwen Williams, Designer/artist, http://www.spacetransform.com
“Joel and Michelle Levey generously offer their hearts and teachings to those who are blessed to cross their paths. Their presence embodies their teachings and their teachings support all beings to step into their highest creative potential. Being with Joel and Michelle is inspiring, in the same way I feel inspired when I smell the fragrance of a blooming gardenia. There’s a depth, sweetness, and strong impulse to shout out Yes!” —Tamara Newmoon, Psychic & Healer http://www.newmoonspeak.com/
“I have known Joel and Michelle Levey for many years. Due to a lifetime of study of Buddhism and their own in – depth meditation practices, they teach from a place of true integrity and personal understanding. Joel and Michelle work seamlessly as a team and are inspiring teachers, presenting the Dharma in a way that is both practical and inspiring … resonating deeply with my own inner truth. Michelle’s joyful presence fills the room, and her knowledge of Buddhism is vast. Joel has the extraordinary ability to make the invisible visible by articulating the world of consciousness so it becomes tangible to the rest of us. Clear presence and deep compassion is evident in all that they do and say. They have encouraged and supported my art in many ways, generously providing contacts, ideas, images and new possibilities. In addition, their work encompasses a passionate interest in integrating the various disciplines of science, art, social activism as well as spirituality. I highly recommend their work. “ —Robin Maynard-Dobbs, Silk painting artist, owner of Silk Creations; Personal coach and founder of Aware Eating http://www.awareeating.com
Sliding scale : $390-$690. This retreat is not structured in order to make a profit, but only to cover the costs of utilities and the travel costs of the organizers. Everyone running the retreat is a volunteer. If you would be prevented from participating in the retreat due to lack of funds, please contact us for information about scholarships. We appreciate your support!
Items to Bring
The Integratron, with projection
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Again, thank you! To contact Nathan Rosquist for more info, call 510-520-4747 or email nathan@artmonastery.org.
The Art Monastery team
It is so great to have you all here,thanks for the Blessings. Tron ~*~
It was such a blessing to be there! Thank you Tron and all the Integratronians!